Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects blood flow to your limbs and can lead to pain, fatigue, or more serious complications if left untreated. At Parkview Cardiology PLLC in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, board-certified cardiologist and internist Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, offers conservative, holistic, and evidence-based care to help you manage symptoms and protect your health. If you have PVD-related symptoms, schedule an in-person or telemedicine consultation today by phone or online.

What is peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

PVD is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, especially in the arms and legs. It occurs when blood flow is reduced due to narrowed or blocked arteries, making it hard for oxygen-rich blood to reach your muscles and tissues, especially during physical activity. 

If left untreated, PVD can lead to serious health problems, including wounds that don’t heal, infections, or even limb loss.

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

The most common sign of PVD is pain in the legs, particularly during walking or physical activity. The pain often goes away with rest. 

Other signs may include:

• Numbness or weakness in your legs
• Coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially on one side
• Sores on your toes, feet, or legs that don’t heal
• A change in the color of your legs
• Shiny skin or slow hair growth on your legs
• Weak or no pulse in your legs or feet

Some people with PVD may not notice any symptoms at all until the disease has progressed.

What causes peripheral vascular disease?

PVD is usually caused by a buildup of plaque (a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) in your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Weight challenges
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of heart or vascular disease

Over time, these risk factors can damage your blood vessels and make it harder for blood to flow where it’s needed most.

How is peripheral vascular disease treated?

What sets the Parkview Cardiology PLLC team apart is their mission to redefine cardiology: combining world-class expertise with true independence, putting your health first. Dr. Sankholkar is board-certified as a registered physician in vascular interpretation (RPVI), collaborating with you to focus on improving blood flow and preventing complications. 

PVD treatment often starts with recommended lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Dr. Sankholkar may prescribe medications to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, or to prevent blood clots.

He may also use noninvasive tests to detect peripheral artery disease early. If you need further treatment, he works closely with a trusted network of top vascular specialists, many of whom helped write the national guidelines for PVD care.

Learn more about PVD treatment by calling the office or booking online today. In-person or telemedicine visits are available.